ACT Africa brings awareness to Suidheuwels Primary

Awareness for Child Trafficking Africa (ACT) is a non-profit organisation that raises awareness and provides education about human trafficking and Gender-Based violence.

ACT also provides basic assistance to victims, creates campaigns focusing on the boy-child, assists in poverty disaster alleviation and promotes life-skills workshops, in association with the National Children’s Theatre (NCT).

NCT is the foremost theatre organisation in Gauteng, shining the bright light of educational, engaging and award-winning theatre for children.

ACT and NCT visited Suidheuwels Primary School as part of their school roadshow, to educate and spread awareness about human trafficking and GBV.

On February 23, learners of Suidheuwels Primary were empowered and educated with the award-winning play, Innocence Lost, an educational theatre project aimed at educating children and teenagers about human trafficking.

Written by Moira Katz, directed by Gamelihle Bovana and produced by the NCT, the play (based on a true story) tells the story of a 14-year-old girl lured away from her home town by a man who promises her the world. She ends up being abducted and held captive as a sex slave.

Innocence Lost won the Naledi Theatre Award 2023 for best production for children and young audiences aged 0-13. The learners of Suidheuwels Primary were honoured to have been a part of such an educational day.

CEO, co-founders and chairperson Hilary Leong and Matthew Mensah highlighted: “We want to create awareness, especially among young children. We aim to combat the rise of child trafficking and GBV not only in South Africa but across the whole African continent by saving lives through awareness and education.”

The play proved to be effective in providing the learners with a new perspective on the world of child trafficking and GBV. It provided them with the necessary knowledge regarding human trafficking and GBV, and what are the warning signs. They also learned about the methods used by human traffickers, how to spot a trafficker and how to protect yourself from human traffickers and abusers.

Suidheuwels Primary School principal Patience Ndzimandze said: “Through Mrs Jackson, our Grade 7 head, we approached ACT Africa to host talks as they tackle a variety of social ills and work together with other organisations.

“We are grateful for the collaboration because it has been helpful to the school. We continue trying our best to help our learners who are facing challenges.”

ACT Africa hosted a question and answer session. The school roadshow is set to continue across Gauteng in hotspots of human trafficking.